Hi,

I am new to this forum so please be gentle!

I have just purchased a nice NC35 but some of the panels are cracked. I have tried a forum search but it didn't bring anything up so I was wondering if you could give me any pointers on the best place to find bodypanels, original if possible. My main concern is the nose fairing as this has a couple of big cracks, so it would be the first panel I would replace.

Sorry if this has been discussed before.

Many thanks,

St Matt

why don't you just get the panels repaired, probably cheaper in the long run.

Si

David silver spares had a nose cone, 199 pounds + VAT

Druid

Wow thanks for the fast replies guys :)

Are there any recommended body panel repair places?

not sure to be honest, you'll just have to av a look

Si

Try a google search for plastic welding, there are a few firms that advertise on ebay also.

St Matt....I have some pics of the repairs but can't upload them here at work so here is the "old school analog wordy typed" version until I get home...I tried two different methods of repair to the stock plastic ABS panels...just in case you don't know (I had no idea) but the stock stuff is ABS plastic...same ABS as the black plastic drain pipes you can buy at the hardwear store..nothing like ABS brakes .....

Method 1 ABS Plastic weld (about 5 bucks a tin)....I tried to weld the two back together and fill in the gaps with the liquid ABS weld...it's just ABS plastic disolved in solvent...I found that it worked ok but not great. The weld felt weak and sanded like crap so I scraped that method although it may be good for a tiny spot repair just not large jobs.

Method 2 I got the soldering iron out and once it was good and hot I gently melted the surrounding area into the crack "welding" it together. This was very easy and the weld feels as strong as ever. It also filled and sanded very easily.

To finish you need a good FLEXIBLE! polyester glazing putty. I used Evercoat Poly-Flex..It's a flexible polyester glazing putty designed for spot filling and skim coating over repair areas on flexible bumpers and plastic parts. Its flowable viscosity is ideal for filling minor imperfections such as sand scratches, nicks, dings and gouges. (stole that from their site ) This stuff sanded great and is as smooth as ever just look at the pics!

Anywho, It turned out to be cheap and easy (like me ) so I suggest you go for it and do it yourself.

Oh if you want DIY methods plastic ZIP ties are good for melting with a soldering iron to repair cracks.

Thanks for all the advice guys, really appreciate it

I might have a go at the DIY approach? Starting on a small crack and maybe if I get the hang of it advancing to the bigger cracks?

Ooooh pressure

Thanks again guys!!

Due to technical difficulties (my free wireless is not co-operating right now) no pics yet but I am working on it